The Philippine national men’s basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, continues its campaign in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers with renewed momentum as it prepares for the second window of competition. One of the most notable developments ahead of the upcoming games is the long-awaited return of Juan Gomez De Liano to the national team lineup.
After narrowly missing out on international action in the previous window, Gomez De Liano has finally secured a place in the final 12-man roster selected by head coach Tim Cone. His inclusion marks both a personal milestone and a strategic move as the Philippines faces strong competition in Group A of the Asian qualifiers.
This article explores the significance of Gomez De Liano’s selection, the composition of the final roster, the players left on standby, and the broader implications for Gilas Pilipinas as it takes on New Zealand and Australia in a crucial stretch of games.
Juan Gomez De Liano’s Long-Awaited National Team Comeback
From Training Pool to Final 12
Juan Gomez De Liano’s journey back to the national team has been one defined by patience and persistence. The young guard, now a rookie with Converge in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), was previously part of Gilas Pilipinas’ compact training pool during the first window of the qualifiers last year. Despite showing promise, he ultimately did not make the final roster at that time.
This second window, however, tells a different story. Gomez De Liano’s name now appears among the final 12 players entrusted to represent the country against elite international opponents. His selection reflects the coaching staff’s confidence in his development, maturity, and readiness to contribute at the highest level.
First National Team Appearance Since 2023
This stint will be Gomez De Liano’s first appearance for Gilas Pilipinas since the 2023 FIBA World Cup qualifiers, when he last wore the country’s iconic tri-colors. That previous experience provided him with valuable exposure to international basketball, and his return suggests that the coaching staff believes he is ready to build on that foundation.
For Gomez De Liano, the opportunity represents more than just another call-up—it is a chance to reestablish himself as a viable long-term option for the national team, especially as Gilas continues to balance veteran leadership with emerging young talent.
Tim Cone’s Vision for the Second Window
Balancing Experience and Youth
Head coach Tim Cone has consistently emphasized balance in his roster construction, and the final lineup for the second window reflects that philosophy. The squad features a blend of seasoned veterans, reliable role players, and younger athletes who bring energy and versatility.
Cone’s approach appears focused on maintaining stability while allowing select younger players—such as Gomez De Liano—to grow into defined roles. This balance is particularly important given the demanding nature of international competition, where experience often proves just as crucial as athleticism.
Strategic Preparation for Tough Opponents
With New Zealand and Australia looming, Cone’s selections also reflect strategic considerations. The coaching staff has prioritized size, defensive versatility, and familiarity with international play, all of which will be critical in facing physically imposing and tactically disciplined opponents.
The Final 12-Man Roster
Veteran Anchors and Key Contributors
The final roster includes several familiar names who have long served as pillars of the national team:
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June Mar Fajardo – The multi-time PBA Most Valuable Player remains a cornerstone of Gilas Pilipinas, providing interior scoring, rebounding, and leadership.
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Scottie Thompson – Known for his hustle, playmaking, and defensive intensity, Thompson continues to be a vital piece of the team.
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Chris Newsome – A dependable two-way player who brings composure and experience to the backcourt.
Versatility and Athleticism
Several players on the roster add flexibility and athletic depth:
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Calvin Oftana
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CJ Perez
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Dwight Ramos
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Carl Tamayo
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Kevin Quiambao
These players provide scoring options from multiple positions, along with defensive versatility that allows Cone to adjust matchups depending on game situations.
Frontcourt Depth and International Presence
The roster also includes big men capable of competing with the size of international opponents:
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AJ Edu
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Quentin Millora-Brown
Both players add rim protection and physicality, helping Gilas match up against taller and stronger frontlines.
Naturalized Leadership
Completing the roster is naturalized player Justin Brownlee, whose experience, scoring ability, and leadership have made him one of the most important figures in recent Gilas campaigns. Brownlee’s presence often serves as a stabilizing force, especially in high-pressure moments.
Players Left on Standby
Training Pool Members Not Named to Final Roster
While the final 12 has been set for the opening game of the second window, several players from the training pool were not initially included:
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Justine Baltazar
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RJ Abarrientos
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Troy Rosario
Their exclusion from the initial lineup does not necessarily signal the end of their involvement in the window.
Potential Inclusion Against Australia
According to team updates, Baltazar, Abarrientos, and Rosario remain eligible for selection in Gilas Pilipinas’ second game against Australia. Any one—or even all three—could still be named to the roster, depending on strategic needs, health considerations, or matchup adjustments.
This flexibility underscores the importance of depth and preparedness, particularly in a condensed international schedule where adjustments often need to be made quickly.
Group A Standings and Tournament Context
Undefeated Start for Gilas Pilipinas
Gilas Pilipinas enters the second window unbeaten in Group A, sharing a 2-0 record with Australia. This strong start has positioned the Philippines as a legitimate contender in the group and has generated optimism among fans and analysts alike.
The Challenge of New Zealand
The Philippines’ next opponent, New Zealand Tall Blacks, comes into the matchup with a 0-2 record. Despite their early struggles, New Zealand remains a dangerous opponent known for physical play, disciplined defense, and international experience.
The game represents an opportunity for Gilas to solidify its standing, but also a test of focus and execution against a team eager to bounce back.
Key Match Details
Venue and Schedule
The highly anticipated matchup between Gilas Pilipinas and New Zealand will take place at the Mall of Asia Arena, one of the country’s premier basketball venues.
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Date: Thursday
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Time: 7:30 p.m.
The familiar home-court environment is expected to provide a boost for the national team, with fans eager to witness Gomez De Liano’s return and the team’s continued campaign.
Implications for Gilas Pilipinas Moving Forward
Building Continuity Under Tim Cone
Each international window serves as an opportunity for Gilas Pilipinas to build chemistry and continuity under Tim Cone’s leadership. The inclusion of players like Gomez De Liano reflects a longer-term vision that goes beyond immediate results.
Developing the Next Generation
By giving younger players exposure to high-level competition, the coaching staff is investing in the future of Philippine basketball. These experiences are invaluable in preparing the next generation of national team mainstays.
Maintaining Momentum
With crucial games ahead—including a potential showdown against Australia—maintaining momentum will be essential. Strong performances in the second window could significantly improve Gilas Pilipinas’ chances of advancing further in the qualifiers.
Conclusion
Juan Gomez De Liano’s inclusion in the final 12-man roster for the second window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers marks an important chapter in both his personal career and the ongoing evolution of Gilas Pilipinas. Under the guidance of Tim Cone, the national team continues to blend experience with youth, stability with growth.
As Gilas Pilipinas prepares to face New Zealand at the Mall of Asia Arena, all eyes will be on how the team performs—and how returning players like Gomez De Liano seize their opportunity on the international stage. With an unbeaten record, a supportive home crowd, and a carefully selected roster, the Philippines stands poised to make another strong statement in its World Cup qualifying journey.
